The Diplomat | Author
Thisanka Siripala
Thisanka Siripala is an Australian-Sri Lankan cross platform journalist living in Tokyo.
Thisanka Siripala is an Australian-Sri Lankan cross platform journalist living in Tokyo. She specializes in Asia-Pacific news and current affairs while predominantly covering Japan and North Asia-related politics, business, and socio-economic shifts. She is an honors graduate from The University of Melbourne with a degree in International Relations, Media Studies, and Japanese language.
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July 09, 2022
Japan in Shock After Fatal Shooting of Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan is reeling after the assassination of its longest-serving leader while on the campaign trail for the upcoming election.
July 05, 2022
Can Japan’s Revamped Childcare Policy Get Workaholic Fathers to Take Leave?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan has made childcare leave a top priority but the latest amendments show inconsistencies between the law and reality.
June 30, 2022
Japan Pushes for Stronger Cooperation to Counter China at G7
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan's prime minister stressed that Russia and China pose similar threats to the rules-based international order.
May 24, 2022
50 Years After US Occupation, Okinawa Continues to Resist Military Bases
By Thisanka Siripala
The burden of hosting U.S. military bases continues to be a serious issue for Okinawa, even half a century after its return to Japan.
May 12, 2022
Japan’s Weak Yen Hampers Its Post-COVID Recovery
By Thisanka Siripala
The Japanese yen has tumbled to its lowest level, pinching household purses and clouding Japan’s economic outlook.
May 02, 2022
What’s Behind Japan’s Continued COVID-19 Border Restrictions?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan remains closed to international tourists and has not yet made plans to reopen despite a global trend to lift pandemic entry restrictions.
April 02, 2022
Japan Needs a Revamped North Korea Policy
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s deterrence strategy is up for debate following the launch of North Korea’s ICBM test.
March 24, 2022
Do Japan’s Sanctions on Russia Spell the End of Japan-Russia Diplomacy?
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s unprecedented sanctions on Russia have angered the Kremlin, leading Russia to cut diplomatic ties with Tokyo.
March 15, 2022
Japan Eases COVID-19 Border Restrictions
By Thisanka Siripala
The limited reopening of borders is a welcomed relief, but the damage to Japan’s reputation could take years to repair.
March 08, 2022
Can Japan Face Up to Its Legacy of Forced Sterilization?
By Thisanka Siripala
The state has appealed a landmark verdict ordering the Japanese government to pay compensation to victims of forced sterilization.
February 24, 2022
Amid Ukraine Crisis, Japan Toughens Stance on Russia
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s sanctions on Russia could spell the end of previous efforts to resolve the long-standing territorial dispute.
February 17, 2022
Fukushima Disaster’s Impact on Health Will Be Challenged in Court
By Thisanka Siripala
A link between radiation from the Fukushima nuclear disaster and cancer will be the focal point of the civil court case against operator TEPCO.